Ideal Type

Definition of Ideal Type

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Ideal Type: An abstract model of a classic, pure, form of social phenomenon. It is a model concept and does not necessarily exist in exact form in reality. An example is Ferdinand Tonnies’s dichotomy Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft . Tonnies described two opposite, or polar types, of social association, one personal and committed (community) one impersonal and unemotional (society-association). These two formal types then provide a benchmark for the analysis and comparison of actually existing societies. Max Weber also used this method of analysis with his ideal types of bureaucracy, authority and social action.

Ideal Type: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Ideal Type. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada